I thought I would mention the Feb 04 Surface Hoar as I am sure it is causing
some confussion as to its current hazard. It has been a big problem in many
areas of the Interior Ranges, just as it has not been a big problem for many
of these areas neighbours. There for it is an isolated problem making that
much harder to judge.
Here at the Abbey as I observed also at RK Heli skiing in the Purcells and
Monashee Powder in the Monashee's the February 04 surface hoar has been an
isolated phenomenon and not been the persistant problem causing natural and
skier triggered avalanches. In these areas, this layer of concern is still
evident anywhere between 50 and 100cm and shows up now as slightly stiffer
layer where the density change is slight, the bond strengthening well and no
sigh of surface hoar crystals. In shallower areas facets can be found above
it. Generally it is producing hard and resistant planar or borken results.
Here at Battle Abbey we have found snow stability in all elevations to be
good with only the storm snow sluffing. Very thin soft slabs were found in
lee loaded areas. We are taking advantage of the good stability and weather
to ski bigger and steeper lines off summits. As many other locations are
doing. At the same time some locations are still reporting avalanches on
this layer. Since this is the case, I suggest before comitting to a slope,
dig a few quick test pits down 1meter 20 and if its there, compression/shear
tests will reveal it. Solar aspects are also beginning to soften up enough
that the next very warm day I will deffinately proceed with greater caution
especially at Tree line and below. Happy Trails, Eric Dumerac, ACMG guide.
_________________________________________________________________
Your Space. Your Friends. Your Stories. Share your world with Windows Live
Spaces. http://spaces.live.com/?mkt=en-ca
|